A lifetime of sacrifice distilled into 60 minutes.
There is no hiding place in Croke Park, and while the stands may not be full, the hearts and minds of supporters and players heading to Drumcondra on Thursday afternoon are consumed by just one thing on All-Ireland club football final day.
Andy Merrigan awaits Castlebar Mitchels or Ballyboden St Enda’s, and while the captain will get to lift the trophy, he is merely a symbol of the effort, the sweat and the lifetime dedication it takes to win an All-Ireland club title.
Ahead of the Mayo-Dublin club clash, we’ve taken a look at four players who could prove crucial in guiding the famous trophy to Dublin or across the Shannon.
Paul Durcan – Ballyboden St Enda’s
The former Donegal goalkeeper may not be a lifelong servant, but victory on Thursday will taste even sweeter for the jet-setting netminder.
Eight-hour transcontinental trips to games show the dedication of the former All-Ireland winner, and his calming influence has been a key part of Ballyboden’s success.
A wonderful shot-stopper, his saves in the Leinster final will go down in legend, while his restarts are a key weapon for the Dublin champions.
Andrew Kerin – Ballyboden St Enda’s
Cool heads are needed in Croke Park in the hottest of atmospheres and a reliable free-taker can send you a long way to glory.
Conal Keaney may be the preferred choice at times, but his understanding with Kerin means any distance is covered by the full-forwards.
Kerin is the club’s Mr Reliable, and his coolness spreads through the team when the pressure is at its height. At corner forward, he should relish the wide open spaces of Croke Park.
Expect him to engineer at least one goal chance too.
Paddy Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
Beating Crossmaglen takes men willing to out their body on the line, and Durcan was one of a number of Castlebar players to stand up.
Three points from wing-back is good on any day, but in an All-Ireland semi-final it is outstanding.
Durcan offers a threat at both ends of the pitch as his impressive fitness and a burst of speed sees him recover from errors in double quick time.
It would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t get a chance to fire at least one or two balls at the posts.
Richie Feeney – Castlebar Mitchels
A half-back by trade and a full-forward by number only, Feeney’s single point in his last two games is more a sign of his teamwork than a lack of potency.
His mobility and pressure play as an auxiliary midfield were crucial against Crossmaglen and his big game experience is likely to be crucial.
He also has the added incentive of making up for his black card in the last final that handed St Vincent’s such a massive incentive to march on to win.
Not many players get a second chance – Feeney will be determined to make his, and Castlebar’s count.
